Taos Sun: Altitude Lies Burning Summer Lips?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 10, 2025

The high desert of Taos, New Mexico, is a land of stark beauty and intense sunlight. Many visitors, and even new residents, are caught off guard by the unique environmental challenges. It’s not just the altitude; it’s the combination of thin air and relentless sun that can quickly lead to dehydration, sunburn, and altitude sickness.

This isn’t your average travel guide. We’re diving deep into the specifics of staying healthy in Taos, focusing on practical strategies and local resources to help you thrive, not just survive.

Let’s get started.

Hydration: More Than Just Water

Taos sits at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet. This means your body loses water faster than at sea level. The air is drier, and you breathe more rapidly, both contributing to increased fluid loss.

Simply drinking water isn’t always enough. You need to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat and increased respiration.

• The Problem: Plain water can actually dilute your electrolyte levels, potentially leading to hyponatremia (low sodium). This can manifest as headaches, nausea, and confusion, mimicking altitude sickness.

• The Solution: Electrolyte-rich drinks are crucial. But avoid sugary sports drinks, which can exacerbate dehydration.

  • Local Recommendation: Check out Cid’s Food Market on Paseo del Pueblo Norte. They carry a variety of electrolyte powders like LMNT and Nuun, which you can add to your water bottle. These are far superior to sugary sports drinks.

• Beyond Drinks: Consider incorporating electrolyte-rich foods into your diet.

  • Example: A handful of salted nuts or a banana can make a big difference.

• Hydration Schedule: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Start hydrating before you arrive in Taos and continue throughout your stay. Aim for at least a gallon of water per day, supplemented with electrolytes.

Sun Protection: High-Altitude UV is No Joke

The sun in Taos is intense. The thinner atmosphere filters less UV radiation, making sunburn a serious risk, even on cloudy days.

• The Problem: Many people underestimate the power of the sun at high altitude. They apply sunscreen sparingly or use products with insufficient SPF.

• The Solution: Sunscreen is non-negotiable. But not all sunscreens are created equal.

  • SPF 30 is the minimum. SPF 50 or higher is preferable, especially for sensitive skin.
  • Broad-spectrum protection is essential. This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Water-resistant is a must. Even if you’re not swimming, you’ll likely be sweating.
  • Reapply frequently. Every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

• Beyond Sunscreen: Sunscreen alone isn’t enough.

  • Protective Clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
  • Hats: A wide-brimmed hat is crucial for protecting your face, ears, and neck.
  • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV damage with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

• Local Recommendation: For high-quality, reef-safe sunscreen options, visit Taos Mountain Outfitters on the Plaza. They carry brands like Sun Bum and Badger Balm, which are effective and environmentally friendly.

• Common Mistake: Applying sunscreen only to exposed skin. Don’t forget your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet!

Altitude Sickness vs. Sunburn: Knowing the Difference

Altitude sickness and sunburn can share similar symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. It’s crucial to differentiate between the two to ensure proper treatment.

• Altitude Sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness - AMS): This occurs when your body struggles to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitude.

  • Symptoms: Headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping.
  • Onset: Typically develops within 6-24 hours of arriving at high altitude.
  • Key Indicator: Symptoms worsen with exertion.

• Sunburn: This is caused by overexposure to UV radiation.

  • Symptoms: Red, painful skin, blistering, itching, headache, fever, chills.
  • Onset: Typically appears within a few hours of sun exposure.
  • Key Indicator: Skin is visibly red and tender to the touch.

• The Overlap: Both conditions can cause dehydration, which can worsen symptoms.

• What to Do:

  • Altitude Sickness:
    • Descend to a lower altitude. This is the most effective treatment.
    • Rest. Avoid strenuous activity.
    • Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably with electrolytes.
    • Consider medication. Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help your body adjust to the altitude. Consult a doctor before taking any medication.
  • Sunburn:
    • Get out of the sun.
    • Cool the skin. Apply cool compresses or take a cool shower.
    • Moisturize. Use a gentle, fragrance-free lotion to soothe the skin.
    • Stay hydrated.
    • Consider pain relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Local Resource: If you’re unsure whether you have altitude sickness or sunburn, or if your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention. Holy Cross Hospital in Taos has an excellent emergency department.

Acclimatization: The Key to a Healthy Taos Visit

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to acclimatize gradually.

• The Problem: Many visitors arrive in Taos and immediately engage in strenuous activities, such as hiking or skiing, without allowing their bodies to adjust.

• The Solution: Take it easy for the first few days.

  • Avoid strenuous activity.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These can dehydrate you.
  • Eat light meals.
  • Consider spending a night at a lower altitude before arriving in Taos. For example, Albuquerque (around 5,000 feet) is a good option.

• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you’re feeling. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, rest and descend if necessary.

• Common Pitfall: Pushing yourself too hard, too soon. It’s better to miss a day of skiing than to spend your entire vacation sick.

Final Thoughts

Taos is a magical place, but it demands respect. By understanding the unique environmental challenges and taking proactive steps to protect your health, you can enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer. Remember to hydrate diligently, protect yourself from the sun, and acclimatize gradually. With a little preparation, you can make your Taos adventure a healthy and memorable one.